U.S. patent number 7,040,249 [Application Number 11/065,014] was granted by the patent office on 2006-05-09 for animal feeding and watering device.
Invention is credited to James Gerard Mushen.
United States Patent |
7,040,249 |
Mushen |
May 9, 2006 |
Animal feeding and watering device
Abstract
A large capacity animal feeding and watering device having a
serving tray (52) and a removable storage container (48) seated
axially within the tray so as to deliver food or water to a serving
dish (60). The tray has a number of removable wheels mounted
thereunder which enables the device to be highly moveable by the
user even when heavy and filled to capacity. The top of the
container has a filling aperture (34) of sufficient size to enable
access by an adult human hand to the interior of the container to
fill or to clean. The same manufacturing molds are used in the
production of both the feeding and watering device thereby reducing
production costs. The container and the tray are designed to nest
closely within other like components thereby decreasing the volume
occupied in shipping and storage thus reducing costs.
Inventors: |
Mushen; James Gerard (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Family
ID: |
36272098 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/065,014 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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60601573 |
Aug 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/51.5; 119/72;
206/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
5/0225 (20130101); A01K 7/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
7/00 (20060101); A01K 5/00 (20060101); B65D
21/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;119/52.1,53.5,54.5,52.4,61.5,51.01,72,51.5 ;220/574
;206/4.26,503,501,515 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Yvonne R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Law Office of Alan W. Cannon
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefits of the filing date of
provisional application No. 60/601,573, filing date Aug. 13, 2004
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An animal watering device comprising: a tray adapted to rest
securely on a flat surface, said tray having a forward feeding
compartment having a bottom wall at a first level of height with
respect to said device, a rearward receiving compartment having a
support surface at a second level of height higher than said first
level of height, and a tray ledge at a third height higher than
said second height; and a storage container extending axially above
said tray wherein said container has a lower section having a
bottom and periphery configured to be received in said rearward
receiving compartment wherein said bottom of said lower section
contacts said support surface of said rearward receiving
compartment, said lower section further including a water release
aperture and a removable stop dimensioned to be inserted into said
water release aperture to create an airtight seal therewith, and an
upper section having a larger circumference than a circumference of
said lower section, wherein a portion of a bottom of said upper
section is supported by said tray ledge.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said tray is dimensioned to nest
closely within other said trays.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said container is generally
conical in shape.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein a cross section dimension of said
container increases from a bottom thereof to a top thereof.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a
plurality of removable, spaced apart, rotatable wheels mounted
thereunder for enabling said device to roll along a surface.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said container further comprises
a a filling aperture at the top of said upper section, said device
further comprising a removable cover with seal, configured to cover
and seal said filling aperture.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said filling aperture is of
sufficient size to enable access by an adult human hand to the
interior of said container for the purpose of filling or
cleaning.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein said removable cover, when
attached to said container, creates an air tight seal between said
upper section and said cover.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said receiving compartment has a
shape corresponding to a shape of said lower section, to receive
and hold by friction the lower section of said container in a
single, correct position.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said feeding compartment bottom
wall and said receiving compartment support surface are connected
by a sloping-ramp and wherein said feeding compartment and said
receiving compartment are configured to be in liquid flow
communication therebetween.
11. An animal care device comprising: a tray adapted to rest
securely on a flat surface, said tray having a forward feeding
compartment and a rearward receiving compartment; a storage
container extending axially from a bottom end to a top end above
said tray, said bottom end being received in said rearward
receiving compartment, wherein a cross section dimension of said
container increases from said bottom end to said top end, said top
end having a greatest cross section dimension and defining a
filling aperture, and a water dispensing aperture formed in a
bottom end portion of said storage container, said water dispensing
aperture having a perimeter smaller than a perimeter of said bottom
end; and a removable, sealing cover configured to cover and seal
said filling aperture, forming an air-tight seal therewith.
12. The device of claim 11, said device further comprising a
removable stop configured to cover said water releasing
aperture.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein said container is generally
conical in shape.
14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
removable, spaced apart, rotatable wheels mounted to said tray to
facilitate rolling said device over a surface.
15. The device of claim 11, wherein said container is configured to
nest within another container, wherein said another container is
dimensioned the same as said container.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein said rearward receiving
compartment comprises a bottom support surface and a tray ledge at
a level higher than said bottom support surface, said container
having a lower section having a bottom and periphery configured to
be received in said rearward receiving compartment wherein said
bottom of said lower section contacts said bottom support surface
of said rearward receiving compartment; and wherein said container
further includes an upper section having a larger circumference
than a circumference of said lower section, wherein a portion of a
bottom of said upper section is supported by said tray ledge.
17. A plurality of animal care devices compactly arranged for
storing or shipping, comprising: a plurality of trays nested within
one another; and a plurality of storage containers nested within
one another; wherein each said tray is dimensioned the same as all
other of said plurality of trays and is adapted to rest securely on
a flat surface, each said tray further having a forward feeding
compartment and a rearward receiving compartment; and wherein each
said storage container is dimensioned the same as all other of said
plurality of storage containers and configured to extend axially
above one of said trays when contained thereby, each said storage
container having a bottom end and a top end, wherein a cross
section dimension of said container increases from said bottom end
to said top end, said top end having a greatest cross section
dimension and defining a filling aperture; and wherein each said
container further comprises a water releasing aperture near the
bottom of said container.
18. The devices of claim 17, wherein each said storage container
further comprises a removable stop configured to cover said water
releasing aperture.
19. The devices of claim 17, together with a plurality of
removable, sealing covers configured to cover and seal said filling
apertures of said respective storage containers.
20. The device of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of
removable wheel sets adapted to be installed under said trays
during use to allow rolling the devices over a surface.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an animal feeding and watering device and
specifically to a device that supplies food and water with improved
ease of operation to move, fill and clean the device and an
improved design for compact shipping and inventory.
2. Prior Art
Pet ownership, particularly of dogs and cats, is expanding
worldwide. Multiple pet households are also increasing. Storing and
delivering a greater quantity of fresh pet food and clean water to
the pets is a growing challenge for pet owners. Traditional pet
watering and feeding devices have expanded in variety but still
lack in the areas of convenience, ease of use and maintenance as
detailed in the following discussion focusing on pet watering
devices followed by a discussion on pet feeding devices.
Pet Watering Devices:
Pet watering devices that supply greater quantities of fresh water,
than the traditional pet watering dish, are in demand. One of the
most popular watering devices is the gravity feed watering system.
They are available in several water storage capacities and are
generally low in cost and convenient.
Some common gravity feed watering systems use a 2 liter bottle or
similar sized vessel, filled with water, as the water storage
container. The storage bottle is then inverted into a drinking
receptacle and the bottle neck is attached by a threaded connection
or by some other means. The water then dispenses from the storage
bottle into the pet drinking dish. As the pet drinks from the dish
the water is replenished until the water storage bottle empties. To
refill the device the process is repeated. U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,434
to Gardner (1986) discloses a common gravity feed watering
device.
There are at least 4 inherent problems with this particular system.
The first is encountered after filling the water storage bottle.
When the bottle is filled and then inverted into the drinking
receptacle, spillage inevitably occurs. The second problem is that
after the bottle has been connected to the drinking receptacle and
the drinking dish filled, spilling can occur if the watering device
is lifted or moved. The third problem is that water leaves deposits
and other impurities on the inside wall of the storage bottle,
which is unhealthy for the pets. With a narrow opening at the
bottle neck, there is no access for a hand to reach in to scrub and
clean the inside of the bottle for sanitary maintenance. The fourth
problem is that a 2 liter supply of water, in many situations, is
not large enough. An active dog can drink approximately 90
milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight a day. One active
dog weighing 20 kilograms (44 pounds) will have approximately one
days supply of water with a 2 liter bottle (68 ounces). With
multiple pet households on the rise, clearly a greater reservoir of
water is desirable for many pet owners.
More current gravity feed watering devices have been developed with
larger water storage capacities from 3.8 liters to over 18.9
liters. These large bottle watering devices generally operate on
the same principles and with similar functionality as the small
bottle watering devices. U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,184 to Pearce (1973),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,783 to Finnegan (1997) and US Pat. D406,926 to
Kolozsvari (1999) are all inventions that provide a greater supply
of water but have similar problems as the smaller watering devices
plus some new issues.
Many of the problems associated with the large bottle animal
watering devices have to do with the weight of the bottle when
filled with water. A standard 18.9 liter water bottle weighs over
18.9 kg (42 pounds). After the user fills this bottle, the combined
weight of the water plus the weight of the bottle itself must be
lifted, inverted and inserted back into the base receptacle. This
is a difficult and awkward process for most people and places
strain on the arms, legs and back muscles. Again spillage occurs
from the mouth of the bottle during this filling, inverting and
insertion process. This spillage can be considerable especially if
the user does not insert this heavy bottle into the drinking
receptacle quickly and accurately. The drinking receptacle
components have a tendency to move and separate if the weight of
the bottle is not properly distributed when inserted, causing more
spillage. In addition these bottles are typically made of plastic
or glass so if they are accidentally dropped during this filling
process they can easily crack or break.
Some inventors have created animal watering devices with water
storage containers that can be filled from the top. U.S. Pat. No.
5,711,248 to Boyd (1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,361 to
Bowell/Peterson (2000) have disclosed animal watering devices that
can be filled through a narrow aperture at the top of the storage
container. Both inventions however retained some of less desirable
characteristics of the large container systems. The filling
apertures are narrow so scrubbing and cleaning the interior wall of
the container remains a problem. Another issue that remains is
portability. These systems are heavy at full capacity and extremely
awkward to move or reposition.
Still another problem with all the large capacity watering systems
is that they are costly to ship and inventory because of the ample
volume they occupy. Whether they are shipped in a container, by
rail car or tractor trailer, the primary determinant of the
shipping cost is the volume being shipped. As a result there is a
need to ship as much product as possible in a given volume.
Similarly in most retail locations, shelf space is at a premium.
Retailers seek to have a broad range of products with limited
storage space. Many mass retailers will not accept products that
cannot be shipped and inventoried in a compact manner. An 18.9
liter bottle has a volume of 18.92 cubic centimeters (0.67 cubic
feet). To ship a quantity of 100 would require 1892 cubic
centimeters (67 cubic feet). This is a problem for the large
capacity watering devices. Because of their design they are
generally packaged and shipped individually, limiting the load
quantities, thereby increasing costs.
Pet Feeding Devices:
Storage and feeding devices for dry pet food come in many
varieties, shapes and sizes. There are generally 2 divergent
methods for feeding a pet. The first method is to provide your pet
a constant supply of food with a feeding device that has a storage
container which automatically replenishes the feeding dish as the
food is consumed. The most popular are gravity feed devices for
their low cost and convenience. The second method is to manually
feed your pet, taking food from a storage container directly to a
feeding dish. Most veterinarians agree that a measured and
controlled amount of food for your pet mitigates some of the health
problems that may occur from a pet that over eats. Many pet owners
follow this method. Both feeding methods and devices have there
limitations and problems.
There are several concerns with the gravity feed devices. These
feeders typically have a food storage container with an opening at
the bottom that directs food into a pet feeding dish. As the pet
eats, the dish is automatically replenished with food until the
storage container supply is depleted. This enables the pet to eat
from the dish and have access to the entire volume of food in the
storage container. U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,981 to Harper (2002) and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,143 to Simon (1989) are typical of these
feeders.
The first concern is that veterinarians agree that most animals,
especially pets such as dogs and cats, have specific nutritional
requirements based on age, activity level, size and weight. Many
brands of dry dog food for example, will include feeding
information based on the dog's age, size and weight. Pets with
unlimited access to a food source tend to overeat which can lead to
obesity and a range of pet diseases.
Another concern with the gravity feed device is that it attracts
other animals and insects. These feeders are an open food source
and tend to attract hungry animals such as a neighbors pet or rogue
animals such as coyotes or possums which can harm pets. Insects,
especially ants, are also attracted which can lead to infestation
and food spoilage problems.
Still another concern with gravity feed device is the exposure to
the elements. Food that is exposed to air becomes stale and can
become spoiled when exposed to rain or other elements.
There are concerns with manual feeding devices. These devices are
typically comprised of a food storage container and a separate
feeding dish. After filling the feeding dish many pets (especially
dogs) tend to move and push the dish away from the storage
container when eating or playing, occasionally spilling the dish
and making the dish difficult to find at the next feeding time
Another concern is that the food storage containers come in a
variety of capacities, and similar to the watering devices,
portability is an issue. A large dog food bag that weighs 20
kilograms (44 pounds) emptied into a storage container makes that
container heavy and very difficult to move and reposition which can
be inconvenient.
Another problem is that most animal feeding devices have containers
that are not air-tight which allows the food to become stale and
loose some of its nutritional value. It can also provide access to
insects.
All of the large capacity animal feeding devices, as with the
watering devices, heretofore known, are bulky and need to be
packaged separately for shipping and storage. U.S. Pat. No.
6,378,460 to Skurdalsvold/Vanskiver (2002) recognized this problem.
They disclosed two food dispensers that can be packaged together,
but they still nevertheless occupy substantial volume so shipping
and inventory costs remains an issue.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide large
capacity storage and dispensing device for dry pet food and water
that is easy to use, maintain and reduces manufacturing and
shipping costs.
Specifically several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
(a) to provide a large volume animal feeding and watering device
with a storage container that can be filled from the top while it
remains seated within the serving tray, thus eliminating the need
to lift and invert the heavy storage container and the subsequent
spillage;
(b) to provide an animal feeding and watering device which has a
storage container that has easy access to the interior to scrub and
clean away residue and impurities left by the water or feed;
(c) to provide an animal feeding and watering device that is
portable and can be easily moved and repositioned particularly when
heavy and filled to capacity;
(d) to provide an animal feeding and watering device that has an
air-tight seal which keeps the food fresh and safe from the
elements and predators;
(e) to provide an animal feeding and storage device where the
feeding dish is conveniently located next to the storage
container;
(f) to provide an animal feeding and watering device that is
designed to have the storage container nest closely within other
storage containers and the serving tray nest closely within other
serving trays thereby decreasing the volume occupied in shipping
and storage thus reducing costs;
(g) to provide an animal feeding and watering device that use
similar molds in the manufacturing process to reduce production
costs associated with multiple runs of different molds; and
(h) to provide a large volume animal feeding and watering device
that is simple to use, maintain and inexpensive to manufacture.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, one embodiment is a large
capacity animal food and watering device that is easy to fill,
clean and move. The design enables the device to be manufactured as
a pet feeder and as a pet waterer with little modification, using
the same molds. In addition the components of the device are
designed to nest tightly within other like components lowering
shipping and inventory costs.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an unassembled animal
feeding and watering device, according to an example embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the
storage container as a gravity feed storage container;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage container according
to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled animal feeding and
watering device according to an example embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a side, orthogonal, sectional view of the pet feeding and
watering device of FIG. 5a taken at the sectioning plane and in the
direction indicated by line 5 of FIG. 5a;
FIG. 5a is an orthogonal front view of the pet feeding and watering
device;
FIG. 6 is a partial, sectional, enlarged view of the lid engaged
with the top section of the storage container according to an
example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 7a, taken at
the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line 7 of
FIG. 7a;
FIG. 7a is an orthogonal front view of two storage containers
nesting closely within each other;
FIG. 8 is a side orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 8a, taken at
the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line 8 of
FIG. 8a;
FIG. 9 is a side orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 9a taken at the
sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line 9 of FIG.
9a;
FIG. 9a is an orthogonal front view of the alternative embodiment
of the storage container using double wall construction;
FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 10a taken at
the sectional plane and in the direction indicated by line 10 of
FIG. 10a;
FIG. 10a is an orthogonal side view of the serving tray using
double wall construction.
TABLE-US-00001 DRAWINGS--Reference Numerals 20. lid 22. o-ring 24.
recess 26. female threads 28. top section 30. top edge 32. male
threads 34. filling aperture 36. inside container wall 38. outside
container wall 40. bottom container wall 41. gravity feed aperture
42. water release aperture 44. stop 46. lower section 47. storage
container double wall 48. storage container 49. gravity feed
container 50. animal feeding and watering device 52. serving tray
53. serving tray double wall 54. inside tray wall 56. outside tray
wall 58. bottom tray wall 60. serving dish 62. receiving
compartment 64. container support section 66. tray ledge 68.
sloping ramp 70. tray cavity 71. container cavity 72a left front
wheel 72b right front wheel 72c left rear wheel 72d right rear
wheel
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
An appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained
through a discussion of an application example. Accordingly an
example embodiment of the present invention, an animal feeding and
watering device 50 which is convenient to use and lowers
manufacturing and shipping costs, is provided.
Attention is directed to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective
view of an unassembled animal feeding and watering device 50,
according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Device
50 broadly comprises a serving tray 52, base or receptacle from
which the pet may eat or drink, a storage container 48, tank, or
vessel which is filled with water or food and serves as the supply
to tray 52 and a removable sealing mechanism, lid 20, top or cover
that seals container 48.
The initial discussion will focus on tray 52. Tray 52 is adapted so
as to rest securely on a flat surface, for example the floor of a
residence, garage or porch. Tray 52 having a bottom wall 58 member
that is secured orthogonally to a plurality of side wall members
forming a forward feeding compartment, fashioned into a serving
dish 60. Dish 60 is configured to dispense food or water and to
permit the pet to feed itself by lowering its face into dish 60.
Tray 52 further includes a rearward receiving compartment 62
configured to receive and axially support an outside container wall
38 of container 48.
Compartment 62 has a tray ledge 66 at the top that is flat and is
fashioned into a generally circular container support section 64 as
shown in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, but not by way of
limitation, support section 64 is adapted for frictionally holding
a lower section 46 of container 48 and is dimensioned to conform
thereto. An inside tray wall 54 defining dish 60 and compartment 62
is interrupted at the rear and the front of these compartments
respectively, in order to permit communication there between.
Attention is directed to FIGS. 5 and 5a. FIG. 5 is a side
orthogonal, sectional view of the pet feeding and watering device
of FIG. 5a, taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction
indicated by line 5. FIG. 5 shows that bottom tray wall 58 of
compartment 62 is made higher than bottom tray wall 58 of dish 60.
This permits the formation of a downwardly and forwardly sloping
ramp 68 which directs water and food arriving in compartment 62
into dish 60.
Tray 52 can be shaped in many designs. In the preferred embodiment,
but not by way of limitation, tray 52 is generally oval shaped.
Attention is now directed at FIGS. 8 and 8a. FIG. 8 is a side
orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 8a, taken at the sectioning
plane and in the direction indicated by line 8 of FIG. 8a. FIG. 8
illustrates two trays 52 nesting closely within each other, an
important aspect of the shape of the present invention. Tray 52 is
dimensioned to nest closely within other said trays thereby
decreasing the volume occupied in shipping and storage thus
reducing costs.
Tray 52 can be constructed from a variety of materials for example
metal, plastic, glass or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, but
not by way of limitation tray 52 is made of a plastic material of
one piece, molded construction. Alternatively tray 52 can be made
with double wall construction. Attention is now directed at FIGS.
10 and 10a. FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal sectional view of FIG.
10a, taken at the sectional plane and in the direction indicated by
line 10 of FIG. 10a. FIG. 10 depicts the alternative embodiment of
the serving tray using double wall construction. FIG. 10, a serving
tray 53 using double wall construction will be discussed in detail
in the following additional embodiments.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment,
but not by way of limitation, tray 52 further comprises a number of
removable wheels 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d or castors mounted thereunder.
This enables device 50 to be mobile and easily moved from one site
to another by the user as such is desired or required. In the
preferred embodiment the wheels diameter is between 2.54
centimeters (1 inch) to 8.89 centimeters (3.5 inches), and
preferably 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) constructed of rubber, nylon,
polyurethane or plastic. The wheels can be of any size and
constructed of any material dictated by the desired use of device
50.
In the preferred embodiment, but not by way of limitation,
container 48 is available in different sizes from 3.8 liters to 38
liters. Tray 52 will be sized to accommodate any of these container
capacities or others.
Discussion will now focus on container 48 and attention is now
directed at FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of water storage
container 48 according to an example embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 3, container 48 broadly comprises a bottom
container wall member 40, lower section 46, a top section 28 and a
plurality of side wall members. As seen in FIG. 1, a filling
aperture 34 is located within top section 28 and lid 20 covers
filling aperture 34. Container 48 extends axially above serving
tray 52.
Top section 28 of container 48 has a top edge 30 or lip which
encircles filling aperture 34. Filling aperture 34 is the opening
used to fill container 48 with food or water and also provides
access to an inside container wall 36 for easy cleaning.
Top section 28 of container 48 can be of any shape or size. Filling
aperture 34 on top section 28 of container 48 is of sufficient size
to accommodate access by an adult human hand for filling or
cleaning inside container wall 36 of container 48. Preferably top
section 28 is circular or round and has a diameter between 13.97 cm
(5.5 inches) and 36.83 cm (14.5 inches) and typically has a
diameter of 30.48 cm (12 inches). Top section 28 also includes
integral male threads 32 around its outside circumference.
Attention is directed to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a partial, sectional,
enlarged view of lid 20 engaged with the top section 28 of
container 48. FIG. 6 shows male threads 32 engaging with female
threads 26 located on the inside circumference of lid 20 when lid
20 is screwed on, sealing container 48.
Attention is directed at FIG. 3. I presently prefer, but not by way
of limitation, lower section 46 including a water release aperture
42, port or orifice. Release aperture 42 can be of any size
desired. Preferably release aperture 42 has a diameter between 0.64
cm (1/4 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch) and typically is 1.27 cm (1/2
inch). Lower section 46 further includes a removable stop 44, plug
or cap that inserts into release aperture 42 creating an air tight
seal. Stop 44 can be constructed of any material desired for
example cork, rubber, plastic or metal. Alternatively any openable
and closeable port system, faucet or spigot dictated by the desired
use of device 50 can be used.
Attention is directed to FIGS. 5 and 5a. FIG. 5 is a side
orthogonal, sectional view of the pet feeding and watering device
of FIG. 5a, taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction
indicated by line 5 of FIG. 5a. FIG. 5 illustrates that lower
section 46 of container 48 contours to the shape of support section
64 of tray 52. Lower section 46 circumference is dimensioned
slightly less than circumference of inside tray wall 54 of support
section 64 which enables container 48 to be seated and frictionally
supported therein. FIG. 5 also shows that release aperture 42 is
oriented facing dish 60 and slightly lower than the top of inside
tray wall 54 in the preferred embodiment.
Container 48 can be shaped in a variety of designs for example a
cylinder, rectangle, hexagonal or octagonal. In the preferred
embodiment but not by way of limitation, container 48 is generally
conical in shape with top edge 30 having the widest circumference
and outside container wall 38 minimally tapering inward to lower
section 46.
Attention is now directed at FIGS. 7 and 7a. FIG. 7 is a side
orthogonal, sectional view of FIG. 7a, taken at the sectioning
plane and in the direction indicated by line 7 of FIG. 7a. FIG. 7
illustrates an important aspect of the shape of the present
invention. Container 48 is dimensioned to nest closely within other
said containers thereby decreasing the volume occupied in shipping
and storage thus reducing costs.
Container 48 can be of any size dictated by the desired use of
device 50. Preferably container 48 holds between 3.8 liters and 38
liters, and typically holds 18.9 liters.
Container 48 can be constructed from a variety of materials for
example metal, plastic, glass or ceramic. In the preferred
embodiment, but not by way of limitation, container 48 is made of a
plastic material of one piece molded construction. Alternatively
container 48 can be made with double wall construction. Attention
is now directed to FIGS. 9 and 9a. FIG. 9. is a side orthogonal
sectional view of FIG. 9a, taken at the sectioning plane and in the
direction indicated by line 9 of FIG. 9a. FIG. 9 illustrates the
alternative embodiment of the storage container using double wall
construction. FIG. 9, a storage container 47 using double wall
construction will be discussed in detail in the following
additional embodiments.
Discussion will now focus on lid 20 and attention is now directed
at FIGS. 5 and 6. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, lid 20
is generally round or circular in shape and dimensioned slightly
larger than top section 28 of container 48. Lid 20 includes female
threads 26 around the inside circumference. Lid 20 further includes
a recess 24 located above threads 26 and a compressible o-ring 22,
seal or gasket located within recess 24. O-ring 22 is preferably a
soft plastic or rubber material which can provide an air-tight seal
when compressed. Lid 20 is screwed onto top section 28 of container
48. The design is such that female threads 26 of lid 20 engage with
male threads 32 of container 48. Top edge 30 of container 48 then
compresses o-ring 22 in lid 20 creating an air-tight seal.
Lid 20 can be constructed from a variety of materials for example
metal or, plastic. In the preferred embodiment, but not by way of
limitation, lid 20 is made of a plastic material of one piece
molded construction and circular in shape. Lid 20 alternatively can
have double wall construction.
Alternatively top section 28 and lid 20 do not require male threads
32 and female threads 26, any method of attaching lid 20 to top
section 28 may be utilized. For example container 48 can have a
rectangle shape with a rectangle shaped top section 28. Lid 20
could have a similar rectangle shape with approximately the same
diameter that would create a tight fit when it is slid over top
section 28. By the term tight fit it is meant that the cover is
held in place over the top of the storage container by friction.
Alternatively lid 20 could be clamped over top section 28 with a
variety of locking mechanisms creating an air-tight seal.
Operation--FIGS. 1, 4
In operation of device 50 attention is directed at FIGS. 1 and 4.
To fill device 50, the user first rolls device 50 to the food or
water source. If more convenient the user can remove container 48
from tray 52 and carry container 48 to the source.
In operation as a WATERING DEVICE the user then inserts stop 44
into release aperture 42. Lid 20 of container 48 is then removed
from top section 28 exposing filling aperture 34. A hose or faucet
can be used to fill container 48 through filling aperture 34. When
container 48 is filled, the user screws lid 20 back onto top
section 28 of container 48. When lid 20 is screwed back onto top
section 28, male threads 32 of container 48 engage with female
threads 26 of lid 20. Top edge 30 of container 48 will compress
o-ring 22 in lid 20 creating an air-tight seal. The user can then
roll device 50 back to the desired animal watering area. If the
user removed container 48 from tray 52 to fill, then the user would
re-seat container 48 back into tray 52 orienting release aperture
42 to face dish 60 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The user then removes
stop 44 from release aperture 42 allowing the water to flow from
container 48 into dish 60. The water flows into dish 60 until the
water completely covers release aperture 42 forming a water seal.
At this point the water will stop flowing from container 48 to dish
60. The water seal and the air-tight seal at the top section of
container 48 create a vacuum within container 48 above the water
line in container 48. This combined with the atmospheric pressure
exerted on the water in dish 60 prevents the water from flowing in
accordance with standard barometric principles. When the water
level in dish 60 decreases to the point where air can enter
container 48 through release aperture 42, air will enter container
48 and allow the water to flow to dish 60 until release aperture 42
is completely covered with water.
The animal drinks from dish 60 of tray 52. As the water level
decreases in dish 60 below release aperture 42, air enters
container 48 and water flows from container 48 into dish 60. Thus
container 48 continuously supplies water to dish 60 of tray 52.
When container 48 and dish 60 are empty, the user inserts stop 44
into release aperture 42 and repeats the water filling process as
described.
In operation as an animal FEEDING DEVICE for dry food the user
rolls device 50 to the food source. If more convenient the user can
remove container 48 from tray 52 and carry container 48 to the food
source.
Lid 20 covering top section 28 of container 48 is then removed
exposing filling aperture 34. The user fills container 48 with food
through filling aperture 34. When container 48 is filled, the user
screws lid 20 back onto top section 28 of container 48. Lid 20 is
screwed on and male threads 32 of container 48 engage with female
threads 26 of lid 20. Top edge 30 of container 48 will compress
o-rings 22 in lid 20 creating an air-tight seal keeping the food
fresh and safe from insects and the elements. The user can then
roll device 50 back to the desired animal feeding area. If the user
removed container 48 from tray 52 to fill, then the user would
re-seat container 48 back into tray 52 as illustrated in FIG.
4.
At the animal feeding time, the user will unscrew lid 20 and
manually place the food from container 48 directly into dish 60.
When container 48 is empty, the filling process is repeated.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 2, 9, 9a, 10, 10a
FIG. 2 illustrates an additional embodiment of container 48 of FIG.
3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gravity feed storage container
49. Gravity feed container 49 of FIG. 2 is identical in many
respects to container 48 of FIG. 3. Two differences exist between
container 48 and feed container 49. The first difference is that
feed container 49 is absent water release aperture 42. The second
difference is that feed container 49 has a gravity feed aperture 41
in bottom wall 40. Feed aperture 41 enables the food to be
delivered from feed container 49 to tray 52 in this additional
embodiment of an animal feeding device.
All the operations described in the preferred embodiment as a
FEEDING DEVICE are identical in many respects with one exception.
The additional embodiment represented in container 49 of FIG. 3
automatically delivers food to dish 60. By gravity the feed is
supplied from feed container 49 through feed aperture 41 and is
delivered down sloping ramp 68 into dish 60. As the animal consumes
the food, dish 60 is replenished until feed container 49 is
empty.
FIGS. 9 and 9a represent an alternative embodiment of container 48.
A Storage Container with double wall construction 47 is depicted in
FIG. 9 with a sectional view. Double wall construction provides a
container cavity 71 or hollow space between the walls of container
47. Cavity 71 can be injected with foam insulation or other
material that can aid in regulating the temperature of the contents
in container 47.
Container 47 in operation is identical to the preferred embodiment
and in addition can assist in regulating the temperature of its
contents, especially water. When cavity 71 of container 47 is
injected with foam insulation for example, water temperature in
container 47 can be maintained for a period of time and delivered
to dish 60. On hot days the user may choose to fill container 47
with water and ice so the animals may be refreshed with cool water
during the day. In colder climates, the user may choose to fill
container 47 with heated water to help prevent dish 60 from
freezing over.
FIGS. 10 and 10a represent an alternative embodiment of serving
tray 52. Serving tray 53 with double wall construction is depicted
with a sectional view in FIG. 10. Double wall construction provides
a tray cavity 70 or hollow space between the double walls of tray
53. Cavity 70 can then be infused with water, insulation or some
other material that can aid in regulating the temperature of dish
60 and its contents.
Serving tray 53 in operation is identical to the preferred
embodiment and in addition can assist in regulating the temperature
of the dish contents, especially water. If cavity 70 of tray 53 is
infused with water, for example, tray 53 can be frozen and then
operated as a stand alone watering dish 60 cooling the water in it,
or in conjunction with water dispensed by container 48. This is
particularly important in warmer climates. Given a choice animals
prefer cool water. Conversely in cold climates, if cavity 70 is
injected with insulation, tray 53 can help inhibit the animal
drinking water from freezing. Tray 53 in combination with container
47 gives the user greater opportunities to control and, or adjust
the water temperature as required or desired for their animals.
ADVANTAGES
From the description above, a number of advantages of the disclosed
animal feeding and watering device become evident:
(a) This animal feeding and watering device has substantial storage
capacity and is easy to fill, move and clean.
(b) The air-tight seal on the storage container keeps the food
fresh and protects it from insects and the elements.
(c) This animal feeding and watering device is designed such that
its components, the storage container and serving tray, will nest
closely within other like components thereby decreasing the volume
occupied in shipping and storage thus reducing costs.
(d) The animal feeding and watering device utilizes the same
production molds for manufacturing which reduces the costs
associated with multiple production runs using different molds.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
Accordingly, the examiner will see that the animal feeding and
watering device can be used with a heavy volume of dry food or
liquid easily and conveniently. In addition the components of the
device are designed to reduce costs in the manufacturing,
distribution and inventory management of the device. Thus the
reader will see that the animal food and watering device provides a
highly reliable, user friendly yet economical device that can be
used by pet owners of almost any age.
While my above description contains many specificities, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many variations are possible such as:
1) a solar panel affixed to the storage container which can heat
the water inside for use in cold environments;
2) extra large wheels mounted underneath the tray would enable the
animal feeding and watering device to be rolled onto uneven terrain
or sand;
3) a means to push or pull the device can aid in the movement and
direction of the device; and
4) multiple serving dishes configured on the serving tray would
enable feeding and watering to multiple animals simultaneously.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by
the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
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